For over a century, Blind Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh (BVRS) has been dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or vision impaired. BVRS now has a new name: VisAbility Pittsburgh.
While the name has changed, its mission remains the same.
Mission, Programs, and Services
VisAbility Pittsburgh’s programs are designed to enrich lives, eliminate obstacles, and achieve independence. The organization’s focus is on the remarkable abilities and skill development of those they serve, helping people realize their personal and professional goals, and find fulfillment in their lives.
VisAbility dramatically improves the lives of those with vision loss and blindness by offering adjustment support, adaptation resources, and vital life skills training.
Their dedicated staff of experts specialize in vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, and employment services which empower individuals with vision loss to achieve greater independence through instruction and support.
Growth and Impact of VisAbility
Along with the new branding, VisAbility Pittsburgh has set its sights on growth and impact:
“This rebranding comes at an exciting time as we evolve our services to reach a greater number of clients,” says Erika Petach, President of VisAbility. “Through advanced technology, training, and comprehensive rehabilitation, we believe that independence is a fundamental right for everyone in our community. Like all individuals, our clients deserve opportunities to help them achieve their life goals and dreams. With our team of experts, skilled training, and encouragement, our clients will lead the life they choose. Our mission is to focus on everyone’s abilities, not their disabilities.”
VisAbility Pittsburgh’s comprehensive vision rehabilitation center offers tailored programs to help each client reach their unique goals. Through annual eye exams, advanced technology, and specialized programs, VisAbility Pittsburgh enables clients to enhance their daily lives and develop self-advocacy skills, empowering them to realize their dreams.
The employees in their manufacturing division demonstrate this positive impact. These individuals exemplify resilience and adaptability, demonstrating how VisAbility’s programs empower clients to thrive in a professional environment despite the challenges of vision loss. Their contributions highlight equitable employment opportunities and serve as an inspiration, proving that blindness or a vision impairment does not have to limit one’s potential.
Lance, the shipping and receiving coordinator at VisAbility and a long-time client, states, “From a young age, I always knew I wanted to do and experience more. I was introduced to VisAbility Pittsburgh through their summer program in high school, where I learned assistive technology. I have since received additional services through their low vision and New Beginnings programs. I received glasses that fit properly, helping me manage my vision loss. Now, I can independently perform household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. As a homeowner, it is essential that I can perform these tasks on my own.”
Lance is an outstanding example of how opportunities and motivation can lead to remarkable professional and personal results for individuals who are blind or vision impaired.
Meeting Needs and Achieving Dreams
The organization meets clients where they are and assists them in succeeding in every aspect of their lives. Because VisAbility Pittsburgh’s programs are innovative and responsive to individuals’ needs, clients are able to receive customized access to all resources necessary to support their specific goals in life.
So while the VisAbility Pittsburgh name may be new, their mission is the same today as it has been for over a century — helping, training, and empowering individuals to achieve their dreams.
Learn more at visability.org.
